Living Joyfully

This Sunday I will begin a new preaching series: Living Joyfully. I will be preaching through Philippians. This is a unique letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Philippi in the region of Macedonia. (See Acts 16 to read about Paul's ministry there.)

The Philippians were devout Christians who, in spite of constant persecution, continued to advance the Gospel. I will be preaching from Chapter 1:1-11. In this passage Paul refers to these Christians as his partners in the Gospel. We will explore the concept of "praying with joy" and "partnership in ministry." They are vitally connected. Did you know that joy is consistently referred to in this letter? Joy appears 16 times and words related to joy 20 times. Paul wants them, and us, to experience what Jesus prayed for:

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:9-13 (Emphasis mine)

Let's learn the secret of praying with joy.

Sunday School/Bible Study/Discipleship: We are fortunate to have Dennis Davison and the Church Board who fully support discipleship ministries. Each Sunday Dennis reminds us of the different classes taking place in our church. Now, two more will soon be added. Small groups studying the Bible together enable us to make disciples. Bible classes also promote fellowship and accountability, which are very important to our spiritual development. If you have not been attending Sunday School, you are missing out on an important part of helping us strengthen our church and fulfill the Great Commision, which is to make disciples. I urge you to consider attending one of the classes being offered this Sunday morning at 9:30 AM.

— Pastor Jim

Prayer Requests

John Napoli, an employee of Jim Day, received multiple injuries in a car accident.
Randy Key - Pastor and Susan's brother-in law was in an accident caused by a drunk driver; he is injured but recovering
Jose Cavazos: Cancer treatments
Bill and Pat Wilson: Ongoing health issues
Mike Hedman: Employment
Pray for God's leadership regarding our current pastoral candidates, Donovan and Danni McMahan, who will be our guests Sunday, September 22.
The Church needs a new liability insurance company. Our policy expires Sep. 30, 2024 as the company is leaving TX and no longer insuring churches in TX.

We need some help!

We need a few men to help us move some furnishings and equipment in the church office so we can complete repairs before the McMahans' visit on Sept. 22. Watch for the announcement and plan to help out!

Every Saturday!

Saturday at 4 PM @ HCN:

Meet with Danette for Prayer Warrior Ministry. Pray about our church, its members, and anything else that is on your heart.

REACHING THE ONE!

There is a small glass container with slips of paper and a pen behind the "ONE BOX" on the communion table. Feel free to place a new or additional name of someone you hope to reach for Christ in the box. Then, at pastoral prayer time, come and pray for the "ONE or ONES" you are hoping to reach for Christ.

Building Fund

We are on our way to fulfilling the challenge to match the generous gift that was given to us for our building fund. The Goal is $30,000.

Our church families are continuing to contribute toward our $30,000 goal. We will provide updates every Sunday.